MEDICAL MARIJUANA: LAWMAKER: DONATIONS NEEDED FOR PROGRAM

Amended Measure Does Not Include Necessary Funding

CARSON CITY -- Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani wants average Nevadans
to donate $5 to $10 each to a fund to pay the $30,000 startup costs of
the state's medical marijuana program.

She said Friday that she hopes residents will send checks to the state
treasurer's office to provide the money to start the program under which
doctors would authorize patients with AIDS, cancer and other illnesses
to use marijuana.

The Assembly could act next week on Assembly Bill 133, Giunchigliani's
bill to put into effect the voter-approved constitutional amendment
setting up a medical marijuana program. The bill would allow qualified
patients to grow as many as seven marijuana plants in their homes. They
could not have more than 1 ounce of usable marijuana on hand at any
time.

The proposal also would amend state law so that small-time pot users
could not be charged with felonies. They would be charged with
misdemeanors for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana and pay
$600 fines.

Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, secured an opinion from legislative
attorneys that the state can establish the medical marijuana program,
despite Monday's U.S. Supreme Court decision that some observers thought
shot down medical marijuana laws in nine states, including Nevada.

The bill was approved Thursday by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee
after amendments were adopted taking out the obligation for the state to
put up $30,000 to start the program. Instead the state will accept gifts
and donations to start it.

The money is needed to hire a part-time secretary and pay for cards that
patients would receive if they were accepted into the program.

Former gubernatorial candidate Aaron Russo said recently that he would
put up the money to start the program, and Giunchigliani said she will
take him up on his offer. But she hopes more people will participate.

"Anyone who supported the medical marijuana program should send five
bucks in and let the Legislature know you support this legislation and
are willing to put up money," she said.

State Treasurer Brian Krolicki said donations should be sent to the
Medical Marijuana Fund, Nevada Treasurer's Office, 101 N. Carson St.,
Suite 4, Carson City, NV 89701.

Giunchigliani expects the Senate will adopt the bill without any
changes. Then it would be forwarded to Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Guinn has expressed reluctance to approve the medical marijuana program
because of federal laws outlawing possession of marijuana.

Sixty-five percent of the state voters approved the medical marijuana
amendment in November's election.